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A compass needle is lightly magnetized, and will align itself with the lines of magnetic force at your locale.

*It will not necessarily point to the Poles. The South magnetic pole is currently at about 68 deg S - some long way from 90 deg.

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Q: Why does a compass needle deflect in a magnetic field?
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How does a compass needle respond when a compass needle is placed within a magnetic field?

A compass needle, as well as everything else on Earth, is ALWAYS within a magnetic field. If the compass needle is free to turn, it will align itself with the magnetic field, and point along the north/south axis of the field. If another magnetic field source appears near the compass ... such as a current-carrying electrical conductor, or a toy magnet in somebody's pocket ... whose field strength is comparable to the Earth's, then the compass will deflect, and realign itself along the north/south axis of the SUM of the fields.


How does a compass needle respond when a compass is Place with in a magnetic field?

If a magnetic compass needle is placed in a magnetic Field , its needle deflects and points in the north and south directions


Why does a compass needle change direction when it is near a magnetic field?

Because of the magnetic force. The compass needle is also magnetic.Because of the magnetic force. The compass needle is also magnetic.Because of the magnetic force. The compass needle is also magnetic.Because of the magnetic force. The compass needle is also magnetic.


How does an inducted magnetic field influence the direction of a compass needle?

The conducting wire wrapped around the compass is energized creating a magnetic field that counteracts the effects of the Earth's magnetic field and changes the direction of the compass needle.


Why does a compass spin when it is placed next to a magnet?

A compass needle is a small magnet itself. When it is placed next to a larger magnet, the magnetic field of the larger magnet interacts with the magnetic field of the compass needle. This interaction causes the compass needle to align with the magnetic field of the larger magnet, causing it to spin and point in the direction of the magnetic field lines.

Related questions

How does a compass needle respond when a compass needle is placed within a magnetic field?

A compass needle, as well as everything else on Earth, is ALWAYS within a magnetic field. If the compass needle is free to turn, it will align itself with the magnetic field, and point along the north/south axis of the field. If another magnetic field source appears near the compass ... such as a current-carrying electrical conductor, or a toy magnet in somebody's pocket ... whose field strength is comparable to the Earth's, then the compass will deflect, and realign itself along the north/south axis of the SUM of the fields.


How does a compass needle respond when a compass is placed in a magnetic field?

If a magnetic compass needle is placed in a magnetic Field , its needle deflects and points in the north and south directions


How does a compass needle respond when a compass is placed with a magnetic field?

If a magnetic compass needle is placed in a magnetic Field , its needle deflects and points in the north and south directions


How does a compass needle respond when a compass is Place with in a magnetic field?

If a magnetic compass needle is placed in a magnetic Field , its needle deflects and points in the north and south directions


Does a compass needle line up perpendicular or parallel to a magnetic field?

A compass needle will align itself with a magnetic field. It will want to lie along the magnetic field lines, or lie parallel to the lines of force of the magnetic field it is interacting with.


How does a compass needle respond when a compass is places within a magnetic field?

A compass needle, as well as everything else on Earth, is ALWAYS within a magnetic field. If the compass needle is free to turn, it will align itself with the magnetic field, and point along the north/south axis of the field. If another magnetic field source appears near the compass ... such as a current-carrying electrical conductor, or a toy magnet in somebody's pocket ... whose field strength is comparable to the Earth's, then the compass will deflect, and realign itself along the north/south axis of the SUM of the fields.


How does a compass needle respond when a compass is placed within magnetic field?

A compass needle, as well as everything else on Earth, is ALWAYS within a magnetic field. If the compass needle is free to turn, it will align itself with the magnetic field, and point along the north/south axis of the field. If another magnetic field source appears near the compass ... such as a current-carrying electrical conductor, or a toy magnet in somebody's pocket ... whose field strength is comparable to the Earth's, then the compass will deflect, and realign itself along the north/south axis of the SUM of the fields.


Why does a compass needle change direction when it is near a magnetic field?

Because of the magnetic force. The compass needle is also magnetic.Because of the magnetic force. The compass needle is also magnetic.Because of the magnetic force. The compass needle is also magnetic.Because of the magnetic force. The compass needle is also magnetic.


How does an inducted magnetic field influence the direction of a compass needle?

The conducting wire wrapped around the compass is energized creating a magnetic field that counteracts the effects of the Earth's magnetic field and changes the direction of the compass needle.


How does a compass needle move when it is placed in a magnetic field?

A compass needle aligns itself with the magnetic field lines and points toward the magnetic north pole. The north-seeking end of the needle is attracted to the Earth's magnetic south pole, causing it to move and orient itself accordingly.


Why does a compass spin when it is placed next to a magnet?

A compass needle is a small magnet itself. When it is placed next to a larger magnet, the magnetic field of the larger magnet interacts with the magnetic field of the compass needle. This interaction causes the compass needle to align with the magnetic field of the larger magnet, causing it to spin and point in the direction of the magnetic field lines.


When a compass is placed near a conductor where current flows its needle would deflect what does this indicate?

This proves that a magnetic field is developed around the conductor wen current flows through it...